hshhh

hshhhhope street hotelmagazine issue 2

The London Carriage Works warehouse opened in 1869 and was designed in a prevailing fashion of the day - the style of a Venetian palazzo. It reflects the prestige of 19th century Hope Street that such an industrial site was so elegantly camouflaged.

Over the years the building has housed various other companies, including booksellers and telephone operators and most recentlya furniture makers.

In 1998 the building was rescued from a semi-derelict state to become hope street hotel. We only discovered the name of the original company when the words ‘The London Carriage Works’ were revealed behind crumbling plaster. The London Carriage Works lives on as the name of our restaurant. In 2007 we added a modern extension creating the first new façade on Hope Street for 40 years.

our streetA potted history of Hope Street

a to z Information for your stay with music, movies and beauty treatments

food and drinkThe London Carriage Works

some of our favourites Favourite places from the locals

our city Sending you in the right direction

in the event of an emergency Essential reading

welcome

Welcome to hope street hotel, Hope Street and Liverpool. hshhh is your guide to all three, whether you want just to relax, make the most of a spare 30 minutes to amble along our street, or really explore - to march right down to the bottom of the hill and march right back again - we hope this guide will make your stay easy, enjoyable and memorable.

the appointment of the country’s first Medical Officer in 1847. This was Dr Duncan who famously recommended that the poor drink ale rather than water to avoid typhus infection. There was also the first children’s hospital, public baths and public washhouse. The country’s first Borough Engineer took concerted and innovative action over sanitation, creating public spaces and sewage solutions. And there was the country’s first District Nursing Service with Florence Nightingale-trained nurses. The building is still a place for study and medical instruction and is listed Grade II* listed.

The Everyman Theatre was originally built as Hope Chapel in 1834, becoming a concert hall in 1853 and then the city’s first picture house from 1912 until the early sixties. It re-opened as the Everyman Theatre in 1964. The modern frontage was built in 1977, leaving much of the original building at the rear. The famous Everyman Bistro is housed in the original cellars.

The Philharmonic Dining Rooms were built as a gentlemen’s club by Robert Cain & Son, the brewers, and opened in 1898. The faculty of design at Liverpool University College was commissioned to decorate and design the interior. Frances Macdonald and Herbert McNair - ex creative partners of Charles Rennie Mackintosh - used it as a project for their students, hence the art nouveau finish, the high fashion of the day. It is Grade II*.

the red brick clock tower, the University of Liverpool’s original site. Its Victorian splendour now houses the Victoria Gallery & Museum which has a wonderful eclectic art and objects collection spanning five centuries.

The Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King is built on the site of the city’s workhouse and fever infirmary, home to the sick and destitute from 1771 to 1928. In 1930 the land was bought by the Church and apparently over a cocktail with the Bishop the eminent architect Edward Lutyens (known for his war memorials, palatial country houses and the Viceroy’s palace in New Delhi) was chosen to build a Cathedral. His plans were of epic proportions - larger than St. Peter’s - but when war erupted in 1939, he had only completed the crypt. The post-war economy meant that costs spiralled to an impossible £27 million, stopping all work. In the event, Sir Frederick Gibberd (London’s Central Mosque and Didcot Power Station) won an open competition and built on the land adjacent to the Lutyens crypt. Both the Cathedral and Lutyens crypt were consecrated in 1967. Today it is affectionately known as Paddy’s Wigwam and the 4 bells nicknamed John, Paul, George and Ringo.

The Liverpool Medical Institution was purpose built in 1837 to house one of the country’s oldest medical societies and its library (established in 1779). The city’s rapid population growth encouraged a number of medical firsts, including

our streeta potted history

Outside London, Liverpool has more listed buildings than any other city. There are 2,500 in fact, 27 of which are Grade I and 85 Grade II*. Hope Street has one of the former and 13 of the latter so we want to show off a little (the city also has the highest number of public sculptures outside the capital, so we’ll throw a couple of those in too).

In 1790, Blackburne House (from the hotel entrance look right) was a country mansion perched high on a hill away from the hoi polloi below. It was home to John Blackburne, a former mayor of Liverpool. Past his gardens were the city’s workhouse and a quarry, the stones of which were used to build the city’s burgeoning docks. By 1890 his house had become a girls’ grammar school, and the gardens a street of chapels, a synagogue, a library, concert halls, Masonic headquarters, convents, clubs, art studios, and a coach builder, The London Carriage Works. Some 200 years later, the workhouse and the quarry had been replaced by two of the most iconic buildings in the country, Liverpool’s two Cathedrals. Many of these buildings or institutions remain, including the London Carriage Works, all sharing new guises on this distinguished streetscape.

Here is a potted history of the life and times of some of our neighbours.

Let’s start if not strictly on Hope Street at least on its lay line; behind the crown of the Metropolitan cathedral you will see

first person to be killed by a train, at the inaugural run of the Rocket in 1830. In front of the Oratory is ‘Roman Standard’ by Tracy Emin, a counterpoint to the city’s large masculine neo classical sculpture. The life sized bird perched on a pole is a symbol of Liverpool and represents strength with femininity.

Liverpool Anglican Cathedral was consecrated in 1924 but not completely finished until 1978. It is the fifth largest Cathedral in the world (after Milan, Seville, New York’s St John the Divine and of course St Peter’s). It was designed by youthful competition winner George Gilbert Scott. His other great iconic designs are the classic red telephone box, as well as the power stations of Battersea and Bankside (now the Tate Modern). The Cathedral houses the largest organ in the world and the tower holds the highest and heaviest ringing peal in the world - 13 bells at 31 tons. The building was a particular favourite of Sir John Betjeman. He famously remarked that the cathedral demonstrated “the supreme art of enclosing space”. Those lucky guests with us on Sunday morning may be woken with the call to worship from both ends of Hope Street.

The original Philharmonic Hall was built in 1849 to house the country’s second oldest music society. It burnt down in 1933 and such was the determination of local music lovers that it was rebuilt on the same spot and re-opened in 1939. The building is Grade II*.

The French chateau style of the Hahnemann Homeopathic Hospital was designed as an ornate advert for the fashionable medical practice of the day. It was purpose built in 1887 and generously equipped and donated to the city by Henry Tate, head of the sugar refining firm and founder of the Tate

Gallery. Although an advocate, Tate

decreed that the hospital should not be restricted to homeopathy, but should also include facilities for surgery,

gynaecology etc… ‘the great medical truths of today’. It closed as a hospital in 1975.

Blackburne’s House John Blackburne’s house was eventually donated to the city, becoming the women’s branch of the Mechanics’ Institute and then Liverpool Institute for Girls in 1874 - it was one of the first established exclusively for the education of girls. It finally closed as a school in 1984, reopening as the Women’s Technology and Education Centre soon after.

Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) was built in 1835 as the Liverpool Mechanics’ Institute. Its primary purpose was to provide educational opportunities, often as evening classes, for working men. It is acknowledged as the forerunner of the University of Liverpool. It became the Liverpool Institute for Boys - Paul McCartney and George Harrison were old boys. Paul went on to provide funding for the foundation of LIPA, which continues the institute’s original themes of practical and artistic achievement. Liverpool College of Art was built in 1883 and its original frontage on Mount Street, is now listed Grade II. The extension onto Hope Street was added in 1910. John and Cynthia Lennon are ex students.

As you approach the art school there is a

sculpture by John King, ‘A Case History.’ Installed in 1999, it is composed of coloured concrete suitcases, piled and waiting to go, or just arrived! The bronze luggage tags carry the names of the notable individuals and institutions associated with the area: social reformers, musicians, writers, and conductors.

The Oratory, built in 1827 and Grade I, listed building was originally the chapel for St James Cemetery which in turn was a former quarry. It is now a public park lined with gravestones cataloguing the deaths of orphans, sailors, passengers and others whose final resting place was Hope Street. In its centre stands the memorial to William Huskisson, a popular politician ignobly famous for being the

a-z

with us. New bathrobes can be purchased at a cost of £35/£45.

bathroom lightsYou will find it is worth getting to know the dimmable lighting system in your bathroom. Touch the wall plate once for either on or off. Moving your hand a few centimetres from the switch will raise or lower the light level. Make sure your karma is centred and by the end of your stay aim for a cha cha light show!

breakfastBreakfast is served in the restaurant, sofa or table. Our busy times at weekends are between 9 and 10.30am.

business centreWe have an office, computer and printer available for guest use and reception will be happy to help with your administration needs. Our fax number here is +44 151 709 2454.

car parking Please ask reception for details. cash points The closest cash points are located just around the corner. Out of the doors and on the far side of the Philharmonic Hall. Come to reception and we can point you in the right direction.

airports Liverpool John Lennon Airport (JLA) and Manchester Airport are 30 and 60 mins away respectively. We are happy to organise either a taxi or chauffeur service on your behalf (to JLA there is a regular local bus service). Ask reception to help with transport and information on flight times.

aromaWe use a room spray from Geodesis a French fragrance company. If you like the effect, we have on sale our favourite two, fig tree and orange tree, both at £15.00 for 3.5 fl.oz.

audio booksCatch up on some poetry, history or a bit of Winnie the Pooh. Our audio library is with our music. Perfect if your reading glasses are back on the kitchen table.

babiesBaby cots are available, as are some vital supplies - nappies, wipes and changing mats. Registered baby sitters and nannies can be arranged via a local nursery. Please call reception for further information.

barThe London Carriage Works bar is open all day until 11pm. Sit yourself on a sofa or high stool and enjoy the buzz.After hours, guests may be requested to move to the bookroom – next to the reception – so that service can be continued by the night team.

bathrobesThe bathrobe in your room is provided for your comfort and use during your stay

check in/out timesCheck in is from 2pm, check out by 11am Monday to Friday and noon Saturday and Sunday. Late departures can be arranged, just ask reception.

chemist The closest chemist is open from 9am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm on Saturday and closed on Sundays. In an emergency there is a chemist open till 11pm and a 24 hour supermarket which are both a five minute taxi ride away.(We do stock a small number of toiletries at reception).

children We have a box of toys, colouring books and dvds for your darlings. We will whip them up as soon as you put out the SOS. dining Please see the accompanying printed menu on your desk. The London Carriage Works is open for;

breakfast 7-10 Monday to Friday, 8-11 Saturday and Sunday

lunch 12-3 Everyday dinner 5-10 Monday to Saturday

5-9 Sunday

do not disturbYou will find a hshhh tag on your door handle, please hang it on the outside of your door and housekeeping will leave you in peace. Remember to remove it when you would like us to clean your room.

reception desk. You will not need to see a receptionist. The final invoice will be sent to the address given at check in.exercise Ask us at reception for a good uphill and downhill running route, or see further on for details of our gym.

foreign exchange Euros, dollars and travellers’ cheques may be exchanged at reception.

green We are open every day, all day and all year- so we are very conscious that we manage our waste and energy use responsibly. We want to let you know that we recycle everything that is recyclable and that we keep the colour green in our heads with all our business relationships.

guest services Call reception for assistance with any of the following:

car hire and travel enquiries clubs and barsflowers meeting rooms restaurantssecretarial services shoppingsightseeing theatre and entertainmenttravel arrangements gymOur small 24 hour gym has treadmills, a bike, a cross trainer, a rower and free weights. Please ask at reception for the access code.

housekeeping Our lovely housekeeping team will do their best to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Your room will be serviced daily, if you require a specific time just let us know. Additional items and services are available upon request. Please note that items not returned by the end of your stay will be charged to your bill.

Should you wish to keep the world out, let reception know and we will stop all incoming calls.

dogs We are a very dog friendly hotel. Please let us know if we can help to make pooch feel more comfortable. However only guide dogs will be allowed in the dining areas – all others can have room service!

dry cleaningFor laundry and dry cleaning prices please refer to the list with the laundry bag in your desk drawer. For same-day cleaning, have your laundry ready by 8am and it will be returned late afternoon. Please put the laundry/dry cleaning in the bag with the form filled out and telephone reception so it can be picked up.

electrical appliancesThe European voltage of 240v applies throughout the hotel. Please do not plug in any appliance of a lower voltage, particularly those manufactured in the USA - you will damage the device if you do not use a transformer. Ask reception for further assistance, we have USA converters and adapters and we also have European adaptor plugs.

express check out If you are paying with a credit card or your company has an account with us, you may use our express check out facility. Just inform reception of the morning of your departure. Two copies of your bill will be delivered to your room. One copy is for your reference; please sign the other one and put it in the envelope provided along with your room key and leave it on the

blankets clothes brush cufflinks on loanbow ties on loanduvets electrical adapters fans hair dryershangershigh chairs hot water bottle kettle mobile phone chargers pillowsshoehorns international dialling codesAustralia 0061 Austria 0043 Belgium 0032 Brazil 0055 Canada 001 Czech Republic 0042 Denmark 0045 Egypt 0020 France 0033 Germany 0049 Hong Kong 00852 India 0091 Indonesia 0062Irish Republic 00353 Israel 0972 Italy 0039 Japan 0081Luxembourg 00352 Malaysia 0060Mexico 0052Netherlands 0031New Zealand 0064Norway 0047Philippines 0063Portugal 0047Russian Fed. 007Saudi Arabia 00966Singapore 0065South Africa 0027Spain 0034Sweden 0046Switzerland 0041Thailand 0066U.A.E 00971U.S.A 001

internet access We have Wi-Fi in our rooms and public areas. Get comfortable and start searching, surfing, skyping and sending.

irons Irons and ironing boards are available in your room. We are a dab hand ourselves at a cutting edge crease, so just let us know if we can do it for you (at no charge).

keys When leaving the hotel for the day, lock your door (it is not automatic locking) and please leave your key at the front desk. On your return, in the interest of safety and security, a check will be made on your identity and room number. On your departure, please remember to return your key when you check out. There will be a £50 charge for keys not returned, but if you find it in your luggage please send the stowaway back as soon as possible.

meeting roomsWe offer five meeting areas, for private dining, exhibitions, screenings, conferencing and similar meetings. Facilities include plasma screen, dvd player, telephones, and broadband internet access. For further information and menus, please ask reception.

music and moviesEach guest bedroom is equipped with a dvd player which plays both cds and dvds. You will find a list of cds and dvds tucked

inside this book. Call reception with your choice and it will be delivered to your room. If you have not yet wept over An Affair to Remember or been enthralled by All About Eve then you are in the perfect place. Call reception for a list of munchies we can send up to your room. Any cds or dvds not returned at check out will automatically be charged to your room bill.

ren (it’s Swedish for clean)We hope you enjoy the ren skincare, do take them home with you. If you love them as much as we do we have a selection of retail sizes in reception. Please refer to the list in your desk drawer for the full range of products.

room service Twenty-four hour room service is available. Please consult TLCW menu for further details - breakfast, brunch, lunch, tea, dinner, cocktails, hot chocolate, just an apple? There will be a £3.50 charge per tray (not the apple).

safe deposit Ask reception to store any valuables. Please note that goods are left at your own risk and the hotel cannot accept any responsibility for any damaged or stolen goods.

shiny shoesA complimentary shoe shine service is available. For collection please call reception.

smokingAll our rooms are non-smoking. We will charge £100 if we find we have to deep clean the room after a guest has chosen to smoke.

tea and coffee making facilitiesA tray is provided in your room. If you would like fresh milk cold or hot please call reception.

televisionDigital and sky channels are available in your room.

telephoneTo call us at reception dial 0. For cross room calls just dial the room number (except for the ground floor roms 001 to 009, and rooms 501, 502&503 dial reception and we will connect you). Local land line calls cost from 20p per minute and UK mobiles from 34p. International calls cost from 70p per minute but may cost considerably more.

therapistsHealth and beauty therapists are available for a variety of treatments including aromatherapy, Swedish massage, and reflexology in the privacy of your own room or in one of our treatment rooms. Please give as much notice as possible when booking. Ask at reception for the range of treatments available.

trainsThe closest main line station is Liverpool Lime Street, 15 minutes walk away or a short taxi ride. If you would like times, tickets, or transport, please call reception.

toiletriesA selection of toiletries may be purchased from reception- please refer to the list in your desk drawer for our full range.

food & drink

Our restaurant is one of the best in the region and multi award- winning chef Paul Askew and his brigade have created modern international dishes that combine French, South East Asia and American influences. These menus have a strong emphasis on the use of local, organic, seasonal and fresh produce. This has led to a ‘fruitful’ partnership with local producers who now grow new varieties just for us us – look out for the Provence tomatoes, rocket and salad shoots, Ratte and Pink firapple potatoes. Paul often stops off at the farm to collect vegetables picked that morning for a dish served at lunch time.

After the bustle and energy of dinner, TLCW becomes a peaceful space for a breakfast, flooded with morning light. For those who are curious, we have kept the original TLCW company safe, which was found in the basement and now spends its retirement on display in the restaurant. The two paintings in the room are by the late Adrian Henri the prolific painter and ‘Mersey Sound’ poet famed for communicating the delights of popular culture, who lived around the corner on Mount Street. His partner Catherine Marcangeli generously loaned us the two pieces on learning that it was always a particular hope of our designer Basia Chlebik to have ‘The Rape Field’ behind her dramatic glass shards.

some of our favourites

Tom Leesous chef

Orla O’Neilfront office manager

Anglican Cathedral‘The building that changes colour’ (behind the Metropolitan Cathedral)

Films at the Phil

The University of Liverpool’s new Active Learning Centre has literally been highlighted by covering it with an ever changing LED façade of colour.The spectrum of the LED lights matches the stained glass of the Cathedral next door.

Everyone mucked in one night to prepare our new rooms so I did a rare evening and saw this magical block of colour which I would not ever have seen otherwise. I loved it so much I brought my son Francis back to stand and stare too!

‘Vast in scale, it carries forward into the 20th century that taste for the gigantic and sublime which is so typical of 19th century Liverpool’. Joseph Sharples Liverpool Pevsner.

As a small child I loved the Anglican Cathedral with its breathtaking scale, the ‘Whispering Arches’, ‘the mouse and the Earl of Derby’ and the Tower experience.I still marvel at its scale, walk through the gardens and look up to be amazed by the size of it, or look down from the tower and see all of Liverpool below.

Built as an integral part of the 1939 Art Deco Philharmonic Hall (it was included for education purposes only). It is the only surviving hydraulic screen that rises up from the platform as the organ descends. It was renovated in 1999, opening with sell out screenings (1650 seats) for Brief Encounter, It’s a Wonderful Life and Gone with the Wind.

It makes going to the movies exciting, it’s a special occasion again. The organist plays and the screen rises up from the platform and it takes about 2 minutes and everyone claps and cheers. Brilliant!

Esther Higgitthead housekeeper

hshhh one favourites included Debbie our Breakfast Supervisor loving a glass of wine with her film at FACT, Dave our Owner intrigued by the smallest brass mouse in the largest building, Mary our Creative Director’s thrill with Penelope a public sculpture in Wolstenholme square, Matt our Bar Managers love of Liverpools long views, Sue our Executive Events Manager warmth for a bombed out church for its natural regeneration.

Kim Adamsonreception supervisor

Andy Peterproperty manager

Pat Howardroom attendant

The Gatekeeper’s Lodge Albert Dock 1856

‘Turning the Place Over’ by Richard Wilson

Toxteth Library 1900(just the other end of Liverpool Cathedral)

Jesse Hartley, the worlds first professional Dock Engineer and one of the greatest engineers of the 19th century, designed and built more than 200 acres of Liverpool’s Docks including the stupendous Albert Dock, which is now ranked as the largest group of Grade 1 listed buildings in England.

It’s a whimsical piece by the great man himself, this little architectural gem, as well as being a visible testimony to his superb masonry and engineering skills, reminds me of the importance of his works. His docks enabled the port to develop trading routes throughout the world, and literally laid the foundations for Liverpool’s wealth.

Grade II listed library, funded and opened by Andrew Carnegie the billionaire steel magnate in 1902. It has a 28ft mural called Lunette, a neo-classical depiction of knowledge handed down by the Gods of Culture. It is situated in Europe’s oldest Chinese community and has an extensive Chinese book collection.

I had hardly noticed this building prior to its recent renovation but as I drive into work each morning at six It really catches my eye. A beautiful building which looks like it is being lovingly restored. This makes me feel really happy every morning that Liverpool has yet another building to be proud of.

P.S Kim was voted Best Receptionist 2010 at the city’s Ambassador Awards. If you are lucky she might check you out!

On Cross Keys House, opposite Moorefield’s station. It turns in daylight hours, triggered by a light sensor and is a revolving Ovid cut from the façade of the building.

Richard Wilson is one of Britain’s most renowned sculptors. He is internationally celebrated for his use of architecture and space, inspired by engineering and construction. His other great piece in this country is his installation 20:50, a sea of reflective sump oil which is permanently installed in the Saatchi Collection

I love it! I can stand for ages just staring, hypnotized by the movement and fascinated by how it does it! I hope we never lose it.

This is the part that takes you out and about. We have just listed some brief details on the places we would take our own friends and family to see but it is by no means exhaustive. We are always happy to advise you on a tour that can suit your timescale or curiosity. Take your pick - playing fields, museums, galleries and architecture; frozen spaces - from a Tudor boudoir to a Beatles bedroom.

We can give you directions, leaflets, organise transport and call for any details. We’ll even post the postcards for you.

World Heritage SiteThere are more than 750 UNESCO World Heritage Sites across the world including the Great Wall of China, the Pyramids of Giza, and Stonehenge. The impressive criteria must include ‘outstanding universal value, to the whole international community’. Liverpool – Maritime Mercantile City is on the UNESCO list. It is cited for its major role in the growth of the British Empire, as a pioneer in trade and technology and its importance in the mass movement of people.

Down at the river front (opposite the Ferry ‘cross the Mersey’ Terminal) the ‘Three Graces’ are at the heart of our Maritime history. They are: the Royal Liver Building (1911), the Cunard Building (1916) and The Port of Liverpool (1907). All three are a perfect symbol of the prosperity and confidence of the times and undoubtedly their silhouette has been and remains a memorable skyline for those arriving or leaving by sea. The new Museum of Liverpool will join them when it opens in 2011. Just behind the threesome is Albion House, originally the offices of the White Star Line, owners of the Titanic. It was from these tiny balconies that the company declared the tragedy and loss of life to crowds below. Further into town, a grand declaration of Liverpool’s 19th century confidence is St George’s Hall (1855), universally acclaimed as an architectural masterpiece. Most of this massive monument is open to the public - do feel the chill of the prison cells and court room, and the enjoy the civic self importance of the grand hall. If the time is right the Minton floor tiles might be exposed.free entrywww.visitliverpool.com

Museums and Galleries

World Museum Liverpool combines historic treasures from across the globe with the latest interactive technology, an aquarium and planetarium. There is also a bug house with an army of leafcutter ants.

William Brown Street, L3 20 minute walk - free entrywww.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/wml___________________________________

The Walker Art Gallery One of the finest art galleries in Europe, housing an outstanding collection of British and European art from 1300 to the present day and an extensive display of sculptures and decorative arts. Many are from the masters including Rembrandt, Poussin, Rubens and Murillo. It also hosts the biennial (Autumn 2010, 2012) John Moores exhibition of contemporary painting, which is the UK’s most prestigious and oldest painting competition.

William Brown Street, L3 20 minute walk - free entrywww.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/walker___________________________________

The Merseyside Maritime Museum reflects the international importance of the city as a gateway to the world, with galleries illustrating the many aspects of the city’s maritime history. Including stories of the Titanic and Lusitania, smuggling and emigration.

Albert Dock, L3 25 minute walk - free entry www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/maritime___________________________________

International Slavery MuseumThe International Slavery Museum, within the Merseyside Maritime Museum, opened in August 2007 to national and international acclaim to mark the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade in Britain. As a city built by wealth

our city

from the slave trade Liverpool is a fitting place for this fascinating and thought provoking museum.

Albert Dock, L325 minute walk - free entrywww.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/ism___________________________________

The Beatles StoryThe Beatles Story offers a unique journey into the life, times, culture and music of the Beatles. Fab four fascinating fun, even for the non-fanatic.

Albert Dock, L3 25 minute walk www.beatlesstory.com___________________________________

Tate Liverpool The Northern home of the National Collection of Modern Art with world class temporary exhibitions, oh, and of course in Tate tradition there is a great shop and restaurant.

Allbert Dock, L325 minute walk - free entrywww.tate.org.uk/liverpool___________________________________

Lady Lever Art Gallery was founded in 1922 by William Hesketh Lever, a ‘love token’ in memory of his wife. Victorian and Pre – Raphaelite paintings by artists such as Leighton and Rossetti and outstanding collections of Wedgwood and Chinese porcelain are amongst the treasures on show. Set in the picture perfect village of Port Sunlight, built for Lever’s soap factory workers.

Port Sunlight, CH6 free entry 25 minute drive - through the tunnel www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/ladylever___________________________________

The National Conservation Centre reveals the fascinating art and science of museum conservation.

Whitechapel, L1 20 minute walk - free entry www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/conservation ___________________________________ Western Approaches MuseumA museum of gas and bomb proof rooms from where the Battle of the Atlantic was masterminded; it was the world’s first Combined Operations Command HQ and became a prototype around the world. An inspiring and memorable experience – Lest we forget.

Rumford Street, L2 25 minute walk - small chargewww.liverpoolwarmuseum.co.uk___________________________________

Open Eye Gallery The Open Eye Gallery’s artistic programme is predominantly photography but they also work with a range of media, including film, video and installation. The gallery also puts on a varied programme of events.

Wood Street, L110 minute walk - free entrywww.openeye.org.uk ___________________________________

Liverpool Biennial The UK’s largest international festival of contemporary visual art. Look out for 2010 and 2012. Where will it be? Curated from galleries to bus stops. It also continues to commission established artists from around the world.

www.biennial.com___________________________________

FACTThe Foundation for the Arts and Creative Technology. FACT is the UK’s leading organisation for the commissioning and presentation of film, video and new media art forms. It is also home to Liverpool’s

arthouse cinema.

Wood Street, L110 minute walk - free entrywww.fact.co.uk___________________________________

Greenland Street In 1998, A Foundation was created to support the development and exhibition of contemporary art in Liverpool. It was the vehicle through which was initiated the Liverpool Biennial a year later. A Foundation launched Greenland Street – three former industrial buildings, which have been transformed into exciting and challenging gallery spaces.

Greenland Street, L1 15 minute walk - free entrywww.afoundation.org.uk/greenlandstreet___________________________________

Sudley House was originally the home of Victorian ship owner George Holt, and is the only remaining Victorian merchant’s art collection still in its original settings with works by Gainsborough, Reynolds, Landseer and Turner, all displayed with an elegant and personal touch.

Mossley Hill Road, L18 20 minute drive - free entrywww.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/sudley ___________________________________

‘Another Place’ Anthony Gormley originally chose Crosby beach as just one location for his touring ‘Iron Men’ exhibition but its popularity was so great a campaign was launched to keep them. The 100 identical cast iron figures are spread over a two mile stretch of the beach, all facing out to sea.

Crosby Beach - free entry (dog optional) 40 minute drive

Some of the tours we have all enjoyed ourselves include Goodison Park (the blues) and Anfield (the reds), Aintree (the horses), the Magical Mystery Tour (the fab four), Shiverpool (the ghosts) and the Princes Road Synagogue (the beauty), the Duck Tour (the splash). Ask us for the costs, times and travel. If you would like your own guide for the day let us know and we can make a phone call.

Within walking distance or a short taxi ride the range of independent restaurants is fairly global, Japanese, Russian, Chinese, Italian, Mexican, Indonesian, Indian, Chilean, French, Spanish and British. In the city centre there are many of the popular chain restaurants.

Like any port town Liverpool has some fine hostelries, pubs with a history and selection of local brews. Some legends in their own city are conveniently close for a local pub crawl – The Philharmonic Dining Rooms (the tiles) Ye Cracke (infamous), The Belvedere ( the locals) and Peter Kavanagh’s (the snugs) and The Grapes ( the music), all within minutes. For pubs in the city just ask us to recommend on music, ale and architecture.

Our favourite bars include 3345 Parr Street, The Everyman and Alma de Cuba - all just a walk away.

ToursDelicious food, great pint and a good look

St James’ Mount and GardensThe ex-cemetery next to the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral might sound like an odd place to recommend for alfresco anything but this former quarry, made into public gardens in 1971, is actually very attractive and green. The various tombstones make fascinating and often poetic, sometimes heartbreaking, reading.___________________________________

Abercromby SquareIn the heart of The University of Liverpool campus. When quiet you could imagine your only company to be a student on a push bike, swathed in a long scarf and swinging a satchel. The reality is probably far less romantic but still a very pretty place for lunch on a sunny day.___________________________________

Metropolitan Cathedral GardensSmall but perfectly formed. Find the bench with a hopeful view.

Alfresco

___________________________________

Illustrations by James Munro Hotel photography by Anthony Webb, Jan Chlebik and Imke OppenkampDesign by ContentAll details are correct at time of print.

We have prepared the following guide to help you in the unlikely event of an emergency. Please read on so that you are aware of what to do and where to go.

On hearing the alarm

In the event of an alarm being raised, you will hear a continuous siren. Please do not stop to collect your belongings, but leave the building by the nearest exit immediately. Please open your room door cautiously, and if it is safe to do so leave the area via the staircase following the designated route to the assembly point. The hotel FIRE ASSEMBLY POINT is opposite the hotel entrance on Hope Place. Remember that the hotel staff will be conducting a roll call at the assembly point so please do not wander off as we will be looking for you. If there is smoke in the corridoor please try to stay low down, smoke will always rise. Remember to close the doors behind you as this will help contain any fire in one area. Do not use the lift. Do not re-enter the building until you have been told it is safe to do so by the Hotel Duty Manager.

If you get trapped

If it is not safe to leave your room please try to attract the attention of the emergency services via your window or telephone by dialling O. If the fire is very near, place damp towels along the bottom of your bedroom doorway to prevent smoke entering the room. Testing

To check that our fire alarm is fully functional, our system is tested every Monday at 11am. The alarms will sound for approximately 10 seconds. If it should continue for very much longer than this please follow the evacuation procedure.

In the event of a fire or an evacuation

emergency procedure